A 21-year-old congressional intern was tragically gunned down in Washington D.C. this week in what police believe was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was tragically killed in a shooting near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center late Tuesday night, July 1, according to WWLP.
Police confirmed that Eric was not the intended target. He was caught in a hail of gunfire just after 10:30 p.m., which also injured a 16-year-old boy and an adult woman both of whom are expected to recover. Eric was found unconscious at the scene and later died at the hospital.
He had been in Washington, D.C., for a summer internship with Kansas Congressman Ron Estes and was studying finance with a minor in political science. Originally from Granby, Massachusetts, Eric had aspirations for a career in public service.
His death has left both Capitol Hill and his hometown community in mourning.
“I’ll always remember his kind heart and how he greeted everyone in our office with a bright smile,” said Congressman Estes in a statement shared by ABC News. “We are deeply grateful for Eric’s service to Kansas’ 4th District and to our nation.”
Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal, who teaches at UMass, also expressed his sorrow, calling the shooting “heartbreaking.”
“Eric was in D.C. interning on Capitol Hill, following his passion for public service,” said Rep. Richard Neal. “As a lecturer at UMass, I’ve seen the incredible talent of our students firsthand. Eric truly represented what it means to be part of a community dedicated to learning, growth, and civic engagement.”
He added somberly, “Any parent will tell you there is no greater pain than losing a child.”
On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police Department confirmed Eric’s identity and said the investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made.
While the motive remains unclear, detectives believe Eric was an innocent bystander—tragically caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, according to The Washington Post.
Authorities are now offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Tips can be submitted by calling (202) 727-9099 or texting 50411.
Eric’s death is yet another heartbreaking reminder of the toll gun violence continues to take in the nation’s capital. As tributes pour in from lawmakers, classmates, and friends, many remember him not just as a bright student, but as a young man committed to making a difference in the world.
